Substitute for Aleppo Pepper
Aleppo pepper (pul biber) is a mild, fruity, slightly oily crushed red pepper from Syria and Turkey. Used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Turkish cooking.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing aleppo pepper is Ancho Chili Powder + Red Pepper Flakes at a ratio of 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder + 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes = 1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper. This works well for rubs, marinades, roasted vegetables, eggs, pasta. There are 3 total substitutes listed below, each suited for different situations. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Ancho Chili Powder + Red Pepper Flakes
Flavor impact: Ancho provides the mild, fruity base while red pepper flakes add a bit of heat. Close approximation of Aleppo's unique character.
Dairy-freeSweet Paprika + Cayenne
Flavor impact: Captures the mild heat and red color. Missing the fruity, raisin-like undertones but functional.
Dairy-freeGochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes)
Flavor impact: The closest single-ingredient substitute. Similar mild heat, fruity flavor, and slightly oily texture. A different cuisine of origin but remarkably similar characteristics.
Dairy-free
Aleppo pepper has a unique combination of mild heat, fruity sweetness, and an almost oily texture that makes it unlike any other chili. It is not just hot; it is flavorful. Sprinkle it on hummus, eggs, avocado toast, or pasta and you will understand why it has a cult following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild to moderate, roughly 10,000 Scoville units. It is about half the heat of a typical crushed red pepper flake. The heat builds slowly and has a pleasant warmth rather than a sharp burn.
Fruity, slightly sweet, with sun-dried tomato and raisin undertones. A mild, warm heat that builds slowly. The texture is slightly oily and the flakes are larger than typical red pepper flakes.
Middle Eastern grocery stores, specialty spice shops, and online retailers like Penzeys or Amazon. It is becoming more common in regular grocery stores as its popularity grows.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of aleppo pepper, the best all-around substitute is ancho chili powder + red pepper flakes. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role aleppo pepper plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary References | Last verified: March 30, 2026